Ploidy determination by flow cytometry in Prunus species used as rootstocks

Abstract

Knowledge of the nuclear DNA content and genome size estimates are fundamental parameters in many genetic and molecular studies. This information is particularly useful in evaluating somatic and reproductive compatibility for breeding programs that are based on interspecific crosses. Differences in ploidy level lead to genetic barriers to obtain interspecific hybrids. The joint Prunus rootstock breeding program between EEAD-CSIC and CEAF includes interspecific hybrids between different species belonging to different Prunus subgenera (Euamygdalus and Prunophora). The determination of the ploidy level in parental lines and elite candidates under selection is a priority for our breeding programs. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the ploidy level of different accessions of Prunus rootstocks included in the germplasm bank and in the breeding programs of EEAD-CSIC and CEAF.